PHYSICAL THERAPIST

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals who diagnose and treat people of all ages who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their ability to move and perform everyday activities including: walking, eating, dressing, blow drying hair, playing sports, gardening, etc.

PTs examine each patient and create a specialized plan using treatment methods that help people to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with people to stop loss of mobility before it happens by creating fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

HOW DO I BECOME A PHYSICAL THERAPIST?

To become a professional physical therapist, you must obtain a doctoral degree in physical therapy (DPT) from a CAPTE accredited program after completion of a bachelor’s degree. A physical therapist must complete at least 7 years of college/professional education: four or more years of college education/pre-physical therapy coursework and three years of the professional DPT program. In order to be accepted to a DPT school, you will need to take prerequisite courses in the fields of biological science, general chemistry, mathematics, general physics, English composition, and speech communications. A certain grade-point average (GPA) is usually required for the prerequisite courses. Most schools will also want the applicant to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Physical therapy study is difficult and admission to a DPT program is extremely competitive.

WHAT WILL I LEARN IN PHYSICAL THERAPY SCHOOL?

Once accepted into a physical therapy school, the courses will consist of classwork in biomechanics, anatomy and physiology, neuroscience, and pharmacology. The program also provides clinical experience and education in the direct care of patients in a health care facility. This includes how to perform an appropriate examination and evaluation of patients of a variety of disorders, treatment interventions, and manual therapy techniques. Most programs include 3 years of classroom, laboratory, and clinical work. Physical therapy students get supervised experience in areas such as acute care and orthopedic care.

LIFE AFTER GRADUATION

Licenses and Certifications

After finishing education requirements, graduates must pass a state licensure examination. Several states also require a law exam and a criminal background check. Continuing education is typically required for physical therapists to keep their license.

After gaining work experience, some physical therapists choose to become a board-certified specialist. The American Board of Physical Therapist Specialties offers certification in 8 clinical specialty areas, including orthopedic and geriatric physical therapy. Board specialist certification requires passing an exam and at least 2,000 hours of clinical work or completion of an APTA-accredited residency program in the specialty area.

o Where do PTs Practice?

Outpatient clinics

Inpatient rehabilitation facilities

Skilled nursing, extended care, or subacute facilities

Home Health

Education or research centers

Schools

Hospice

Industrial, workplace, or other occupational environments

Fitness centers and sports training facilities

Most PTs work full time and most work during normal business hours. Some PTs may work evenings or weekends.